Arizona Wildcats phenom DeAndre Ayton is making a solid case why he should be the No.1 pick in the 2018-19 NBA Draft. Find out why.
Speechless. Incredible. Gifted. Once in a lifetime. Unstoppable. Those are just some of the many ways DeAndre Ayton’s game has been described as. At 7-foot-1, he does things that are just not fair. Ayton at times makes his opponents just plain look silly. Double, triple team him, it does not matter, he will find his way to the basket! He can even dribble out of a double-team and not lose the ball. The only thing that could stop him is…never mind, that’s not possible!
In a recent exclusive by Bleacher Report, Ayton had this to say about his views on the upcoming NBA Draft, “I don’t think—I know,” and, “I’m the No. 1 pick in the draft.” Ayton is a prime example of someone who can walk the walk and talk the talk! A player with his abilities and confidence is a scary thing!
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There have been comparisons of late with Ayton to the great Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. Dre’s footwork, his moves, his in the paint face-up jump shots are quite similar to the Dream.
Ayton also has been compared to David Robinson, with his size and strength that he displays around the rim. The versatility he brings to both ends of the floor is just game changing!
The impact Ayton brings on both offense and defense is one of the main reasons why he should be an overwhelming favorite to be the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft. I would even take that one step further. Ayton is going to be an immediate impact player for whichever team is lucky enough to choose him. He has set the bar REAL high for 7-footers, not just in college but also on the NBA level!
As a Wildcat, Ayton has consistently been performing at a very high level. This season so far, he has averaged 19.7 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game and had 14 double-doubles, which is most ever by a Wildcat freshman. Against the Washington State Cougars, Ayton had recorded a double-double by halfway through the first half. Wow!.
Don't forget to box out @RealDeandreAy. 😳
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) February 1, 2018
Watch #Pac12Hoops: https://t.co/ZhZuI5ezsa pic.twitter.com/DohzEozZWp
In addition to double-doubles, Ayton has been improving in other areas of his game. One of those areas would be in blocks. At the beginning of the season, he didn’t have many blocks, but as the season has progressed the numbers of blocks has increased. His blocks include six on the road against Stanford. For the year, Dre has amassed a total of 41 blocks, and the number will undoubtedly continue to increase through the season.
The other area of his game that has been amazing to watch all season long is Ayton’s defense. For a big man to move his feet away and stay in front of his man his simply remarkable. And not only can he of course guard down in the paint, but also when there is a switch, he can defend guards out on the perimeter. As the saying goes, good defense leads to good offense:
End to End 🏀:
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) January 21, 2018
Block by @RealDeandreAy
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Push to assist for @unrulymino0
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3-Piece to end it for @ISO_ZO #APlayersProgram pic.twitter.com/njEQnYG2VW
Let’s not forget three-point shooting. For the season, Ayton is 9-26 from beyond the arc, which makes him so hard to guard. Do I let him take the three? Do I deny him the ball from outside? What happens if he decides to drive the ball? These are all questions his defenders are continually having to think about.
Not done yet. Assists. Whether Ayton gets double or even tripled team when he gets the ball, he can find the open man for a wide open shot. On a team where the skill level is outta this world, Ayton has no problem dishing out those dimes to his team.
Ayton, the unicorn center according to Bleacher Report, is a man among men. When it comes to playing at the next level, the transition will be seamless for No.13, who is becoming one of the greats to EVER play at Arizona and soon to be one of the GREATS to play in the NBA.
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As we get closer to the college basketball postseason and the 2018-19 NBA Draft, Ayton will continue to shine, continue to make jaws drop and continue to DOMINATE the basketball world.